Fortnite creator Epic Games and music streaming giant Spotify are shaking up Apple’s App Store policies by making bold moves with new app submissions. These submissions are significant because they challenge the norms that previously restricted such actions. On Friday, both companies took the leap to submit new app versions for Apple’s review—a move that could have substantial implications.
For Epic Games, this is about bringing Fortnite back to the App Store, a major development since its removal in 2020. Apple had ousted Fortnite and terminated Epic’s account due to a direct payments system Epic implemented, which bypassed Apple’s rules, leading to an antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant.
Spotify is looking to innovate by enabling users to purchase individual audiobooks and offer Premium subscribers “top up” hours for audiobook listening. These extra hours can be bought if subscribers exceed their monthly 15 free hours. This move follows Apple’s recent approval of the Amazon Kindle app, which now includes a “Buy Book” button, and a previous approval allowing Spotify to show subscription pricing directly in its app.
These developments signal a shift, as more apps might soon follow Epic Games and Spotify to leverage the revised App Store policies. For major tech companies, this policy change can enhance their financial returns. However, for smaller developers, it opens doors to new business models and opportunities.
These updates were prompted by a significant legal victory for Epic Games, in which a federal judge in its antitrust case against Apple ruled that the company’s in-app purchase policies needed to be more accommodating. Although Apple largely succeeded in the lawsuit, it was compelled to introduce changes that foster competition in payment processing.
Previously, Apple restricted developers from linking to their websites for alternative payment options, requiring them to apply for permission and adhere to specific guidelines, including discouraging “scare screens” that cautioned consumers against non-Apple payments. Apple also imposed a substantial commission on these transactions, though it decreased slightly from 30% to 27%.
The court’s decision has now forced Apple to remove such barriers, allowing developers to provide links to web-based purchase options without going through cumbersome procedures or facing commission fees. This development marks a pivotal change in how developers can conduct business on the App Store, promising a more sustainable and flexible ecosystem for all involved.
